Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Reviews
5,347 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take the guided tour!
Melissa D,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide makes all the difference! Moses was super knowledgeable and had a great rapport with the group.
Must do!!! Better than expected!!
Matthew C,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Susan was very knowledgeable and got us in the door before anyone else! Better tour than we even expected. She spoke very good English and was easy to understand. The tour went through the palace, over the Bridge of Sighs, into the cells, through St Mark’s Basilica and ended on the roof with wonderful views of the Square!!! Highly recommend!!!
Not as planned-missed part of tour
Cathie C,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Tour meeting was changed and did not receive any notice called tour company 15 min prior to scheduled leaving and were told tour had left ? did not offer to let them join - they went to tour office and were rebooked on a tour but did not get palace entry as was originally book and paid should get a partial refund.? It was difficult to get resolved fully while there
The Venice Legendary Tour
223cheyenner,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Moses was an excellent tour guide! If you’re coming to Venice and want to hit the big attractions this is the tour for you! The Terrace rooftop add on for St. Marks Basilica is definitely worth it too. We had a great day and it was well worth the money and time!
Fantastic, absolutely beautiful art, beautiful buildings. Prison was very Interesting
Linda O,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Elena was fantastic. Very knowledgeable. We are traveling with our Grandchildren, 23 and 19. They loved it.
9:30 AM tour
Pioneer504755,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Check-in was pretty easy. You are given an earpiece that helps you to hear the guide. Moses was very knowledgeable and kept a good pace for us, even getting us past the traffic jams of people. St Mark’s Basilica is breathtaking.
Doge palace guide
jasoncX2396XH,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mose gave a great tour and is very knowledgeable of the entire place
Excellent!
912cayleee,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour and amazing guide – Susan! Highly recommend as this tour gives “behind the scenes” looks with no crowds.
Excellent tour! Susan was wonderful!
meganeasterling,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour, Susan was wonderful!
ST Marks Square area tour
Scott J,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Met outside in ST Marks square and waited for our guide. Once the tour started it was very informative! The guide walked us through the square to the church, through the church with great insight, up on the balcony of the church, and then through the Palace. We had a bathroom break in the Palace. Very well organized and interesting!
From €71.00
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Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain